(Paul Hyde)
By MCANA Critics
CHICAGO — The 2014 Annual Meeting of the Music Critics Association of North America, held in Chicago from June 17-19, centered largely on the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which graciously hosted approximately a third of our members during our too-short visit.
Two full CSO concerts of Schubert and Mahler, a fascinating rehearsal followed by a substantial, highly informative discussion with music director Riccardo Muti; panels about the present state of classical radio and the CSO’s sound as evidenced by its multi-faceted music-making; a visit to the Lyric Opera of Chicago for confabs with general director Anthony Freud and dramaturg Roger Pines; and an al fresco diversion to hear part of a concert by the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra — interrupted by a memorable thunderstorm — were the highlights of the gathering.
Chicago’s cultural amenities drew critics from across the US and Canada. Many arrived ahead of the meeting and then lingered afterwards for additional sight-seeing. A great time was had by all, and our hearts are full of thanks and appreciation for the arts community of this wonderful, windy (and sometimes wet) city.
Follow these links to reports and reviews by MCANA members for Classical Voice North America and various other print and web publications:
Chicago Symphony Bassoonist Shines In Mozart Concerto — By Mike Telin
Muti, Chicago SO Dazzle In Pairing Schubert, Mahler — By Ken Keaton
To Visitor’s Ears, Chicago SO’s Hall Detailed, Coherent — By Richard S. Ginell
Elsewhere:
With music critics in Chicago — Muti and the Chicago Symphony — Kalmar and the Grant Park Orchestra — By James Bash at Northwest Reverb
Reporting back from Chicago — By Elizabeth Bloom at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Beautiful thoughts on dialogue, culture and society from Riccardo Muti — By Elizabeth Bloom at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Lessons of Riccardo Muti’s Schubert cycle tell as CSO caps season with poetic Mahler First — By Lawrence B. Johnson at Chicago On the Aisle
Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony are forever young with Mozart and Schubert — By Chuck Lavazzi at KDHX St. Louis
Two very different voices of spring with Muti and the Chicago Symphony — By Chuck Lavazzi at KDHX St. Louis
David McGill exiting CSO on superb high note in Muti-led program — By Andrew Patner at the Chicago Sun-Times
Thunder stalls, cuts short Grant Park Music Festival concert — By Andrew Patner at the Chicago Sun-Times
Mahler, Muti bring spectacular end to CSO season — By Andrew Patner at the Chicago Sun-Times
Muti’s return caps banner day for the CSO — By John von Rhein at the Chicago Tribune
Storm cuts short Grant Park concert — By John von Rhein at the Chicago Tribune
Riccardo Muti leads the CSO in season finale — By John von Rhein at the Chicago Tribune
Riccardo Muti and the Critics — By Paul E. Robinson at Musical Toronto
(Todd Rosenberg)
